16 
of water, there was a considerable amount of grumbling 
amongst the stewards and passengers, and a very varied 
collection of all kinds of garments spread out on every 
available rope or rail to dry. From East London to 
Durban we kept close in sbore, but tbere was not much to 
look at, the scenery being unattractive, and little or no 
signs of life. 
April \9th. E-eached Port Natal about five o'clock a.m., 
and luckily being able to cross the bar without trouble or 
delay, came to an anchor in the beautiful bay inside, truly 
thankful that our travelling by sea was for some time at 
an end. The bay is very fine, shut in from the sea by a 
high and well wooded hill, the town of Durban lying on 
the opposite side. It is perfectly sheltered on all sides, 
but unfortunately only a small portion is deep enough for 
vessels even as small as our steamer. The temperature 
much warmer than before, and a pleasant change. Rather 
startled at the first sight of the niggers in their scanty 
garments, but one soon gets accustomed to it. Went 
on shore with some of our goods, and a short railway 
took us from the landing place to the town. Put up at 
the Poyal Hotel, where our friends had secured some rooms 
for us ; but the accommodation was very poor, though the 
best in the place. Durban is a small straggling place, 
ankle-deep in sand, and very relaxing, and, to my mind, 
not at all a pleasant place to live in, though with some 
very pretty scenery towards the Berea, a high and 
luxuriantly wooded hill at the back of it. Found Erskine 
and his wife here, but were much disappointed to hear he 
could not go with us up the country, as he had half 
promised to do. 
April 20th. Sunday. Went to church and heard a 
very good sermon from Bishop Colenso. Though unfortu- 
nately unable to go with us, Erskine kindly offered 
to assist me in every way ; and after some consultation as 
